During an annual meeting with mayors in Paris on 18/11, French military commander Fabien Mandon called on local officials to prepare citizens psychologically. He stated that "every citizen needs to accept hardship to defend the country" should tensions with Russia escalate.

"We possess sufficient knowledge, economic strength, and population to deter Russia. However, it would be a serious risk if people are not willing to sacrifice their children or endure economic hardship to prioritize national defense," he said.

French military commander Fabien Mandon at an event in Paris on 11/11. *Photo: AFP*

Mandon's statement immediately drew fierce criticism from mayors and influential politicians across both the right and left political spectrums.

Left-wing leader Fabien Roussel criticized General Mandon's "unacceptable warmongering remarks." Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the La France Insoumise party, warned that "pre-emptively speaking of sacrifice is tantamount to diplomatic failure."

On 19/11, Sebastian Chenu, a member of the National Rally party led by far-right leader Marine Le Pen, criticized General Mandon for "not being in a position" to demand such sacrifices from the public. Chenu also expressed concern that the military leader's statement reflected President Emmanuel Macron's views on the ongoing tensions with Russia.

Louis Aliot, another leader of the National Rally party, commented: "Every citizen must be ready to sacrifice for the country. But if war breaks out, it must be a just war, reasonable, and only if the country's survival is threatened. I do not think many French people are ready to go to war and die for Ukraine."

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi, a member of the center-right party within President Macron's ruling coalition, also criticized General Mandon's shocking statement. "As a military commander, why would he further alarm the country like this? This is just a sign of weakness," the official stated.

The French government has not commented on General Mandon's statement.

General Mandon was appointed commander of the French military in September. At a hearing before the French parliament last month, he warned that the military must achieve a state of readiness within 3-4 years to "absorb any shocks related to Russia." He asserted that France currently lacks the moral strength to confront these threats.

French public opinion has been deeply divided recently on whether Russia poses a threat to national security and defense. Many NATO members fear that conflict with Russia could erupt before 2030, while Moscow consistently refutes that Western officials fabricate threats for political purposes.

Europe is accelerating the expansion of its military budget, with European Union (EU) defense spending this year estimated to reach over 452 billion USD, nearly double the figure before the outbreak of hostilities. France expects to increase its defense budget to 73 billion USD by 2027. Left-wing parties criticize this goal as inappropriate given that France's public debt has already reached 113% of GDP.